The relationship between Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth

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Introduction

Macbeth Coursework Essay This essay will look at the relationship between Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth. It will analyse the way their relationship changes throughout the length of the play and events of the story. The dominant partner will be found at different points of their relationship. Early on in the story, act one scene five we can see that Lady Macbeth is ambitious for Macbeth, but is aware of his gentle nature. This is evident when she says: "Yet I do fear thy nature," This implies that she wishes, or even needs to change this nature of his if her plans for him are to be fulfilled. She goes on further to say: "It is too full o' the milk of human kindness," when describing his personality. This may also further support the theory that she feels he is too weak to do what must be done if he is to be king. In the same scene, she says: "Glamis thou art, and Cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promised." This shows she has no doubt whatsoever that Macbeth will become King. This possibly hardens her resolve that it is destiny, and therefore will happen. She also says: "Which fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to hath crowned withal," almost saying that with the help of the supernatural, he is certain to be crowned, which may indicate a firm belief in the supernatural. ...read more.

Middle

This is the first time in the play that she shows any kind of sensitivity. The idea that her sensitivity is resurfacing, is backed up by the fact that she appears to faint upon hearing the news of the King's death. However, this could also be interpreted in a different way. She may have once again been using her femininity as a tool, by fainting to take the attention away from her husband, and once again take control of the situation. This conclusion is reached because she considers it "A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight," when referring to the King's death. This shows the sight of blood does not affect her in an extreme a manner as fainting would suggest. Later, when Macbeth has become king, the relationship appears to have switched round. While earlier, it was Lady Macbeth who was plotting the murder of King Duncan, now Macbeth seems firmly in control. We can see this as he says to his wife: "Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck." This is the equivalent of when she said, "Leave all the rest to me." This all indicates that their roles in the relationship have totally swapped, to Macbeth being dominant. Also evidence to support this is the fact that, without consulting his wife, Macbeth took the initiative and hired the murderers. ...read more.

Conclusion

We can see she has lost sanity, as the Doctor calls her behaviour: "A great perturbation in nature." Also evidencing her growing insanity is the fact that the Doctor observes: "Look, how she rubs her hands." This rubbing is taken as an irrational attempt to rid her hands of blood, signifying guilt. Obviously, Macbeth is now the dominant one, as Lady Macbeth has lost all control and sanity. Later, when Macbeth is informed Lady Macbeth has died, his response is a simple- "She should have died hereafter." He is saddened by her death, but still in complete control. Their roles have once again been reversed. Lady Macbeth has been affected by their actions in such a way as she loses her mind, and ends her own life, whereas Macbeth is still in control. This is seemingly the opposite of earlier, and is here to show how Macbeth and his wife have changed right up to when they both die. In conclusion, we can see that the relationship went through many stages, in which dominance shifted. Lady Macbeth in control early on to strengthen the ambition deep within Macbeth, this done he becomes the dominant one. When her own femininity returned to her, Lady Macbeth lost control, and dominance. Their relationship changed from one of equals, to two people plotting and conspiring separately at different times, and the result was their demise. By Mark Duroe ...read more.

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